Most people think that it is always summer in Hawaii. However, like most of the country, the Hawaiian islands transform when autumn comes around. It may remain warm throughout most of the year, and people may continue visiting the islands’ famous beaches and volcanoes, but there is magic that seems to fill the air around October and November. Many hiking trails are surrounded by deep reds and yellows instead of lush greens, and the towns come alive with festivals celebrating the season.
Hilo
Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii, within Wailuku River State Park.
Visitors love coming to Hilo when the temperatures cool because the rainforests and waterfalls become more vibrant. While the temperature is consistent all year, fall brings lower humidity, making long hikes into the wilderness much more comfortable. People spend more time outside, enjoying the natural beauty of the town and its vibrant surroundings. The essence of autumn is in the air, while the island is still full of life. Crisp waterfalls, moss-covered trees, and the scent of beautiful tropical flowers wait for you here.
In November, there is a coffee festival where visitors learn about the process of making the beverage they consume every morning, and the farmer’s market makes it easy to get the delicious produce and homemade crafts only available this time of year. You may not see the change in foliage found on the mainland, but you will find gorgeous wildlife like the Hawaiian Honeycreeper and other tropical birds. A gecko could be basking in the warm sunlight. And the sound of crickets fills the air every night with a thunderous, yet peaceful, harmony. Hilo is a definite destination for touring Hawaii in the fall.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona in Hawaii. Editorial credit: Bill Morson / Shutterstock.com
Though the crowds are thinner in the fall, the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beautifully pristine beaches of Kailua-Kona. Have fun swimming and snorkeling during the day, but prepare to see a different side of the town at night. The humidity is much lower in the fall, making the nights crisp and comfortable enough to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Go dancing, enjoy delicious seasonal cuisine, and have a nightcap.
In the fall, with fewer tourists around, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the pristine Magic Sands Beach. You may feel like you’re in a movie on those long stretches of beach, though the sands may shift, and they can even disappear during Winter due to high surf. Enjoy seeing wildlife like manta rays and sea turtles. The leaves do not change much in the fall, but the skies definitely do. Go down the Kona coast and enjoy a sunset filled with deep oranges, reds, and purples as though a painting is being brushed before you. While the tourists are gone, be sure to go get some photos at the historic Hulihe’e Palace, where Hawaiian royalty once came to spend their vacation time. Fall brings cool air and an electrifying atmosphere to Kailua-Kona.
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Lahaina
Sunset over Lahaina Old Town in Maui, Hawaii.
Summer fades away in October, making it a perfect time to visit the wonderful village of Lahaina. This is one of the most culturally rich towns in Maui, and the absence of tourists, along with the crisp, salty air, makes fall a great time to visit. Lahaina is filled with historic places to visit and learn about the rich culture of the island.
Take a stroll through the Lahaina Historic District and visit the Banyan Tree. It is one of the most beautiful things you will see in Hawaii. Having been planted in 1873, it is the largest in the country. The refreshing air sways through its branches, which now cover half an acre. Many visitors like to sit under the rustling leaves, letting the coolness of the evening settle around them.
You may not see leaves changing into dark autumn colors, but visitors to Lahaina in the fall enjoy other things, such as watching the whales entering the area in late November. Many tour companies will take you out on a boat so you can see whales breach the water and slap it with their tails. Many have only witnessed this sight on television, but seeing it up close is unforgettable. Lahaina is a town that has to be seen in the fall to get the full experience.
Honolulu
Panoramic view from Diamond Head Crater overlooking downtown Honolulu.
The summer crowds dwindle when fall arrives, making Honolulu a more relaxed and pleasant place to be. Fall gives Oahu a rest from the long lines that summer visitors often experience at popular sites like Waikiki Beach and other traditional places. However, the warm weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. A fragrant breeze washes over the area when the air cools, allowing you to stay out longer and enjoy the gentle sand and the deep blue color shimmering from the water.
You may see a shift in the colors in places like Diamond Head, but the crisp blue sky is different from the one summer visitors enjoy. It is still warm enough to enjoy a little swimming or snorkeling, but many events take place during the fall, like the Honolulu Pride Festival, celebrating the diversity of the local communities. October also brings the Waikiki Fall Festival, a great opportunity to get local handmade crafts and jewelry that you will not find in any of the gift shops. You will also get some great-tasting seasonal food like caramel apples and pumpkin cookies that you will not find in tourist restaurants. Honolulu, in the fall, is one of the best places in Hawaii to be.
Hana
Piilani Highway in Maui, part of the scenic back route to Hana.
Hana in the fall is a peaceful place that will give you a chance to see the island of Maui in a more intimate way. The fall breeze washes through the rainforest, pushing the vibrant fragrances of the tropical plants there. The air feels more crisp when you stand by a serene waterfall without the usual crowds of tourists.
If you want to escape the busier spots that may still be crowded with tourists in the fall, Hana may offer the respite you seek. Walking down the secluded Pipiwai Trail will surround you with vegetation turning a dark hue. Drive along the Hana Highway to discover breathtaking island views like the Kahanu Garden. You can take a glimpse into the past of the islands through gorgeous plants and ancient cultural locations. Fall is a perfect time to visit Hana and immerse yourself in the beauty that Maui has to offer.
Hanalei
Main street in downtown Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii. Editorial credit: bluestork / Shutterstock.com
Stunning landscapes await visitors who come to Hanalei in the fall. You may not see a dramatic change in the color of the leaves, but the island’s natural beauty shines. The fresh, crisp air brings the scent of saltwater, making an evening on the beach watching a picture-perfect sunset a memory that will not be forgotten.
The breathtaking views of the mountains that stretch up on either side of the town stand out even more when the air becomes cooler. The patches of red and orange in the forests bring a gorgeous accent to the lush greenery. Hiking along the Na Pali Coast trails will offer more opportunities to see the picturesque beauty Hanalei has to offer.
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Visiting the local farmer’s market is a wonderful way to sample the island’s seasonal fruits and vegetables. A cool breeze carries the scents of homemade candles, local honey, and freshly baked bread, making Hanalei an unforgettable place to be in the fall.
Haleakala
Waterfall in Haleakala National Park, Hawaii. Editorial credit: Zain’s Creations / Shutterstock.com
One of the most breathtaking scenes to behold is the volcanic landscape of Haleakala at sunset in the fall. The skies become clearer as the refreshing, crisp air blows in. The crowds that are here in the summer thin out in the fall, allowing you to experience Haleakala differently. Visitors can stand on the peak of the volcanic shield and take in a magical sight as the skies fill with amber and violet hues.
Have relaxing walks along the Sliding Sands Trail without having to worry about the heat of the day. You will see amazing bursts of wildflowers during the day and a sky filled with a canvas of stars at night. The cool air makes the sky so visible you can count the shooting stars you see. A visit to Haleakala in the fall will be an unforgettable trip you will talk about for years to come.
Pahoa
Map of Kilauea in Pahoa, HI. Editorial credit: Alexandre.ROSA / Shutterstock.com
The Big Island of Hawaii has a vibrant hidden gem that offers a unique experience in the fall: Pahoa. Known for its Bohemian atmosphere, quirky shops, art studios, and delicious restaurants, Pahoa has a more relaxed energy when the tourist season is over. Visitors can connect more personally with locals and experience the area’s unique charm.
The more comfortable weather lends an excellent opportunity to visit outdoor attractions like the Lava Tree State Monument, where you can explore Hawaii’s fascinating volcanic history. Take a walk through an eerie landscape of lava trees that were formed by volcanic eruptions over millions of years. A quiet hike through the trails will allow you to appreciate these natural formations and take beautiful pictures without other visitors getting in the way. The quieter side of Pahoa is what you can experience in the fall and is the perfect place to experience an enchanting fall season.
Kapa’au
King Kamehameha’s statue is covered with leis. By Daniel Ramirez, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Visitors who want an authentic Hawaiian experience should visit the town of Kapa’au when the summer tourist season is over. This little town is filled with a rich history and culture you can hear about in more detail once the crowds thin out. Visit the statue of King Kamehameha, who was born there. You will also be able to see all the shops and art galleries without having to wait in line or deal with crowds. The cooler weather gives visitors a chance to take a hike through Pololu Valley and see a beautiful view of the coast in the crisp autumn air.
A beautiful experience waits for you from September to November. The relaxed vibe and peaceful quiet make this little town one of Hawaii’s hidden gems and is especially enjoyable in the fall.
Hawaii in Fall: A Unique Island Adventure
Hawaii is a destination for millions of tourists throughout the summer, offering culture, cuisine, and pristine beaches. However, the islands come alive in the fall when the tourists come home. Visiting Hawaii in the fall allows you to see the natural beauty absent in the summer. It also offers a chance to see the genuine people. When the persona of what the tourists expect to see is gone, you will enjoy seeing culturally significant art and tasting authentic food. There are also more chances to explore as the cooler temperatures make the outdoors more inviting. Whether you want to relax, immerse yourself in culture, or see the natural beauty of the rainforests and volcanoes, Hawaii has plenty of treasures in the fall. Be sure to make a trip to Hawaii in the fall, something you do in your lifetime.
The third-ranked Hawaii men’s volleyball team had no problem recording its 11th sweep of the season, handling No. 6 BYU 25-18, 25-21, 25-16 tonight at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
A crowd of 6,493 watched the Rainbow Warriors (14-1) roll right through the Cougars (13-4) for their 11th straight win.
Louis Sakanoko put down a match-high 15 kills and Adrien Roure added 11 kills in 18 attempts. Roure has hit .500 or better in three of his past four matches.
Junior Tread Rosenthal had a match-high 32 assists and guided Hawaii to a .446 hitting percentage.
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UH hit .500 in the first set, marking the third time in two matches against BYU it hit .500 or better in a set.
Hawaii has won seven of the past eight meetings against the Cougars (13-4), whose only two losses prior to playing UH were in five sets.
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Hawaii has lost six sets all season, with five of those sets going to deuce.
UH returns to the home court next week for matches Wednesday and Friday against No. 7 Pepperdine.
Hawaiian Airlines’ passengers are back in federal court trying to stop something most people assumed was already finished. They are no longer arguing about whether they are allowed to sue. They are now asking a judge to intervene and preserve Hawaiian as a standalone airline before integration advances to a point this spring where it cannot realistically be reversed.
That approach is far more aggressive than what we covered in Can Travelers Really Undo Alaska’s Hawaiian Airlines Takeover?. The earlier round focused on whether passengers had standing and could amend their complaint. This court round focuses on whether harm is already occurring and whether the court should act immediately rather than later. The shift is moving from procedural survival to emergency relief, which makes this filing different for Hawaii travelers.
The post-merger record is now the focus.
When the $1.9 billion acquisition closed in September 2024, the narrative was straightforward. Hawaiian would gain financial stability. Alaska would impose what it described early as “discipline” across routes and costs. Travelers were told they would benefit from broader connectivity, stronger loyalty alignment, and long-term fleet investments that Hawaiian could no longer fund independently.
Eighteen months later, the plaintiffs argue that the outcome has not matched the pitch. They cite reduced nonstop options on some Hawaii mainland routes, redeye-heavy return schedules that many readers openly dislike, and loyalty program changes that longtime Hawaiian flyers say diminished redemption value. They frame these not as routine airline integration but as signs that competitive pressure has weakened in our island state, where airlift determines price and critical access for both visitors and residents.
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What is different about this filing compared with earlier debates is that it relies on developments that have already occurred rather than on predictions about what might happen later.
The HA call sign has already been retired. Boston to Honolulu was cut before competitors signaled renewed service. Austin’s nonstop service ended. Multiple mainland departures shifted into overnight red-eyes. And next, the single reservation system transition is targeted for April 2026, a process already well underway.
Atmos replaced both Hawaiian Miles and Alaska’s legacy loyalty programs, and readers immediately reported higher award pricing, fewer cheap seats, no mileage upgrades, and confusion around status alignment and family accounts. Each of those events can be described as aspects of integration mechanics, but together they form the factual record that the plaintiffs are now asking a judge to examine in Yoshimoto v. Alaska Airlines.
The 40% capacity argument.
One of the more interesting claims tied to the court filing is that Alaska now controls more than 40% of Hawaii mainland U.S. capacity. That figure strikes at the core of the entire issue. That percentage does not automatically mean monopoly under antitrust law, but it does raise questions about concentration in a state that depends exclusively on air access for its only industry and its residents.
Hawaii is not a region where travelers have options. Every visitor, every neighbor island resident, and every business traveler depends on our limited air transportation. The plaintiffs contend that consolidation at that scale reduces competitive pressure and gives the dominant carrier far more leverage over pricing and scheduling decisions. Alaska says that competition remains robust from Delta, United, Southwest, and others, and that share shifts seasonally and by route.
Competitors reacted quickly.
While Alaska integrated Hawaiian’s network under its publicly stated discipline strategy, Delta announced its largest Hawaii winter schedule ever, beginning in December 2026. Delta’s Boston to Honolulu is slated to return, Minneapolis to Maui launches, and Detroit and JFK to Honolulu move to daily service. Atlanta also gains additional frequency. Widebodies are appearing where narrowbodies once operated, signaling Delta’s push into higher capacity and premium cabin layouts.
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Those moves complicate the monopoly narrative. If Delta is expanding aggressively, one argument is that competition remains active and responsive. At the same time, Delta filling routes Alaska trimmed may reinforce the idea that structural changes created openings competitors believe are profitable, and that markets respond when gaps appear.
What changed since October.
In October, we examined whether the case would survive dismissal and whether passengers could refile. That moment felt more procedural than what’s afoot now. It did not alter flights, fares, or loyalty programs.
This filing is different because it is tied to post-merger developments and seeks emergency relief. The plaintiffs are asking the court to prevent further integration while the merits are evaluated, arguing that each added step toward full consolidation this spring makes reversal less feasible as systems merge, crew scheduling aligns, fleet plans shift, and branding converges.
Airline mergers are designed to become embedded quickly, and once those pieces are fully intertwined, unwinding them becomes exponentially more difficult, which is why the plaintiffs are pressing forward now rather than waiting any longer.
The DOT conditions and the defense.
When the purchase of Hawaiian closed, the Department of Transportation imposed conditions that run for six years. Those conditions addressed maintaining capacity on overlapping routes, preserving certain interline agreements, protecting aspects of loyalty commitments, and safeguarding interisland service levels.
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Alaska will point to those commitments as evidence that consumer protections were built into the core approval. The plaintiffs, however, are essentially claiming that those conditions are either insufficient or that subsequent real-world changes undermine the spirit of what travelers were told would remain. That tension between formal commitments and actual experience is at the core of this dispute.
Hawaiian had not produced consistent profits for years.
That is the actual financial situation, without sentiment. Alaska did not spend $1.9 billion to preserve Hawaii nostalgia. It purchased aircraft, an international and trans-Pacific network reach, and a platform it thinks can return to profitability under tighter cost control.
What this means for travelers today.
Nothing about your Hawaiian Airlines ticket changes because of this filing. Flights remain scheduled. Atmos remains the reward program. Integration continues unless a judge intervenes.
However, Alaska now faces a renewed court challenge that points to concrete post-merger developments rather than speculative harm. That scrutiny alone can bring things to light and influence how aggressively future route decisions and loyalty adjustments occur.
Hawaiian Airlines’ travelers have been vocal since the start about pricing, redeyes, lost nonstops, and loyalty devaluation. Others have said very clearly that without Alaska, Hawaiian might not exist in any form at all. Both perspectives exist as background while a federal judge evaluates whether the integration should be impacted.
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You tell us: Eighteen months after Alaska took over Hawaiian, are your Hawaii flights better or worse than before, and what changed first for you: price, schedule, routes, interisland flights, or loyalty programs?
